Soon different bodies would be permitted to object to parts of the plan, after which the project will receive validation and a green light to begin constructions.

Gilo neighborhood (Photo: Adi Shashtiel)

"It's a nice gift for Rosh Hashanah
(the Jewish New Year)," said Yair Gabay, a member of the Jerusalem committee.

"Jerusalem in expanding
to the south, creating affordable housing. We must clarify to the world that Jerusalem is not up for sale."

About a year and a half ago the planning and construction committee approved a motion to expand Gilo and south Jerusalem and build new housing units in the neighborhood.

The construction project has drawn heavy criticism from Washington and left-wing organizations.

Gilo was built on land that was seized during the Six Day War
and later annexed to Jerusalem. The neighborhood was a frequent target of Palestinians during the second intifada.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision: "The prime minister of Israel claims that he has no preconditions, but this decision creates preconditions on the ground," a statement by the Palestinian Prime Minister's Office said.

"Netanyahu
said there is no room for unilateral steps – there is no bigger unilateral step than ordering construction on Palestinian land. He told the UN he was there to tell the truth, but this decision tells the truth for him."